5 Fabulous No-Bake Holiday Desserts

Gooey Chocolate Caramel Tart

Photo by Samantha Seneviratne

A thin slice of this rich dessert goes a long way—especially when it’s served with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. For neater results, wait to slice the tart until it is completely cold. Let the slices stand at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, so that the caramel becomes soft and silky.

Honey Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee

Photo by Samantha Seneviratne

Classic crème brulee recipes call for topping the custards with a sugary crust that’s burnt to a caramel crunch by a kitchen blowtorch. This version tweaks tradition—and streamlines it—by melting the sugar on the stovetop, applying it as a liquid, and letting it harden as it cools. The result? A simpler topping with a lovely sugary snap that still pairs beautifully with the honey and vanilla custard.

Cranberry Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

Photo by Samantha Seneviratne

Tangy cranberries get a sweet makeover when incorporated into a classic chocolate-covered marshmallow cookie. But fear not: You don’t need any fancy equipment to make marshmallow. To test whether your sugar is at the "soft ball" stage without a candy thermometer, just drop a small bit of the hot syrup into a glass of cold water. If it forms a squishy ball, it’s ready.